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Mercedes-Benz MP3 8x6 + Ballast Box - Friderici

Maker:  WSI
Model No:  01-1633
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  December 2015


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Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)25
Features   (max 20)15
Quality   (max 25)21
Price   (max 15)11
Overall   (max 100)79%

Footnotes


Mercedes-Benz MP3 8x6 + Ballast Box - Friderici Video  [Youku Video]
Standard WSI box.
Good steering angle.
Diamond plate surfaces behind the cab.
Detailed Mercedes-Benz engine.
Nice quality graphics.
On the road.
Towing hitch and detailed number plate.
Comment on this model.

This tractor is a Mercedes-Benz Actros MP3 L 8x6 with Ballast Box.

It is in the colours of Friderici, the Swiss haulage and lifting company.  It was founded in 2002.

Packaging

The packaging is the usual WSI branded box with the model resting in a plastic former within an expanded polystyrene tray with a clear plastic lid.  Extra protective strips provide protection for the paintwork.

There were no missing parts on the review model. 

There is no information provided about the real machine or model and the assembly is limited to fixing the towing hitches and ballast box. 

Detail

The heavy 8x6 transmission is modelled well and the only unusual-looking part on the chassis is the hollow round piece. The tyres have different treads on the front and rear axles, and are mounted on detailed wheels with smart trims.  The cab looks high to the front wheel because the space accommodates the driven front axle.

The cab has beacon lights on the roof, and the rooflight in the cab is not see-through.  There is a towing hitch at the front and rear, and realistic number plates.

The Friderici livery is detailed well with sharp graphics.

Inside the cab, the details include decent seats and the Mercedes-Benz logo is printed on the steering wheel.  Under the cab is a detailed engine with 'Mercedes-Benz' printed on it.

Behind the cab, the equipment tower is plastic but with very good detailing.  The exhaust pipe links to the box  at the bottom which has a nice mesh finish.

There are no coiled lines, but diamond plated surfaces extend throughout.  At the back, the lights have plastic lenses and plastic mud flaps.

The metal ballast box is plain with graphics at the rear.

Features

There is linked steering on axles 1 and 2, and it has a moderate range of movement without being proportional, and decent poses can be set. 

The cab tilts forward to about 45° but the review model was difficult to pose in the tilted position. 

The ballast box is removable. 

The towing hitches at the front and rear have removable pins.

Quality

It is a relatively heavy model with plastic used appropriately.

The paintwork and graphics are high quality.

Price

This is a good value limited edition model.

Overall

Heavy haulage is a particular strength of WSI Models and this model is another good example.  It would look particularly good displayed with other models such as a heavy trailer in Friderici colours.

Footnotes

The model appeared in November 2015.

 
High front axle.
Profile view. 
Detailed 8x6 chassis.
Smart cab.
Detailed equipment tower.